Top 9 File Managers for Android

Chances are that, if you haven’t hopped aboard the iPhone crazy train and you have a Motorola smartphone or Nexus, it is equipped with the standard Android operating system. People of the Android persuasion are quick to list the many perks of choosing this phone over Apple’s, however there is one major drawback to Google’s standard Android build. This operating system doesn’t come equipped with a file manager! This creates a unique problem for users. Without a file manager, it’s impossible to share, delete or move files such as photos, songs or videos. Never fear, faithful Android users! The Google Play Store offers a plethora of amazing file manager apps that will enable you to manage all of your phone’s contents.

If you conduct a quick search in the Google Play Store for file management apps, you may become a tad overwhelmed. With so many apps to choose from, the selection process can be a bit daunting. Fortunately for you, we’ve compiled a list of the nine best file manager apps for Android. Below, you will find the details of each of our top nine favorite Android file manager apps.

1.File Manager HD

It is one of the most popular file management apps for Android. It offers a ton of customizable features as well as a clean looking user interface that allows for smooth and quick operation. The easy transition of files between local and cloud storage truly sets this app apart from its competitors. If you don’t mind ads, you can use this app for free. Conversely, the ad-free version is only $3.22, making this an excellent option for Android file management.

Features:

Categorize files by type (image, audio, video, document)

Supports cloud storage services

Customizable widgets for popular folders that can be added to your homescreen

Junk file cleaning

APK file support

Root explorer

Compatibility: Varies by device

Price: Free with ads, remove ads for $3.22

2. File Expert

Another extremely popular Android file management app is File Expert. Like most of the apps we will cover, there is a free, ad-supported option that you can use. File Expert also offers three options for inexpensive ad-free versions that each provide their own set of unique additional features. With a clean user interface featuring a tabbed layout, managing your files is a seamless process with File Expert.

It brings a uniquely customizable user interface to the table. Within the app, you can choose from a variety of options and icon packs that allow you to tailor to the appearance to your own personal preferences. Aside from being visually appealing, the interface is also highly functional. It features a pair of windows you can navigate by swiping. This special feature allows you to effortlessly drag and drop files between multiple folders. Additionally, this app runs smoothly without any lag. Solid Explorer is, like its name would suggest, a truly solid option for your Android file management needs.

Features:

Cloud storage support

Capability of hiding the files and folders

Compress and extract 7ZIP, ZIP, TAR and RAR files

SFTP, FTP, WebDav, SMB/CIFS network sharing protocol support

Paid plugins offered for USB on-the-go support and Cast

Customizable UI

Compatibility: Android 4.1 and up

Price: Free two-week trial, $0.45 for Premium version

4. File Explorer

It provides an interconnected experience between the user and its many amazing features. The split view capability allows you to open two folders at once for easy, simplified multitasking. The beautifully designed user interface runs without a hitch, leaving no secrets as to the popularity of this file management app. With a free seven-day trial, there’s no reason not to give File Explorer a try!

Features:

File viewer

Visual clipboard

Pinch to zoom

Customization of Home page

Cloud storage sync add-ons and plugins available to support OneDrive, Google Drive, Box, SugarSync and Dropbox

network, Root and file management (SFTP, FTP, WebDav, SMB)

Compatibility: Android 2.1 and up

Price: Free 7-day trial, $2.50 for Plus version

5. Gira File Manager

It is a powerhouse packed with awesome features. The design of this user interface creates a clean and fast interaction platform that won’t leave you confused or overwhelmed by complex features. If you opt to pay for the premium version to remove ads, you will also be rewarded with the ability to try out any upcoming features before they are available in the free app.

It is a rich assortment of advanced features masked by a clean and simple user interface. An ad-supported free version is sufficient for most people’s needs, however the features included in the premium app are well worth the price. The premium version will remove all ads as well as give you the ability to easily restore files, among many other things. File Commander is a great option for Android file management.

Premium version offers Secure Mode to encrypt or hide files and folders

Compatibility: Android 4.0 and up

Price: Free with ads, $3.99 for Premium version

7. Cabinet BETA

Cabinet’s Android file management app is still in its beta version. Already, this app promises a minimalistic, simple option for people that don’t need all the fancy features of some other file management apps. The sleek, simple, and functional features of this app have led to its already high rating in the Google Play store. With a strong basic foundation of file management functions, we’re excited to see what the future holds for the Cabinet app.

Features:

Basic file manager features in a minimalist app interface

Customize primary and accent colors as well as thumbnail color

Ability to see a file or directory’s properties

Supports third party plugins

Root access

Compatibility: Android 4.0 and up

Price: Free in BETA, in-app purchases available

8. Total Commander

Total Commander is a long-time favorite among Android file management apps. While the user interface of Total Commander is not as visually stunning as other apps, the highly-advanced features and free usage are what make this app extremely valuable. The many unique facets of this app counteract and balance out the less-than-pleasant visual design. After all, aren’t we all told that we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover?

Features:

Supports SFTP, FTP, LAN, OBEX and WebDAV file sharing protocols

Plugins available for cloud storage

Directory history

Media streaming player

Manage system directories through rooted devices

Capability of altering permissions of a file

Two panel mode available to drag and drop files with ease

Compatibility: Android 1.5 and up

Price: Free

9. ASTRO File Manager

It provides a familiar experience for Windows PC users. This app meets and exceeds the standards of a file management app in a user-friendly way. Highly customizable, secure, and loaded with features, it’s easy to see why this app made it onto our list.

As you can see, there is a wide variety of file management apps available for Android smartphones. With so many great options available, you’re sure to find one that suits your own specific needs. When selecting the app that’s best for you, don’t forget to take cost into account. While many of the apps we featured in this article have ad-supported free versions, the reasonably-priced premium versions may be better suited to your preferences. Hopefully this list enabled you to narrow down your search for an Android file management app! Happy hunting!